Dimensions or Detail?

Most of the time we get confused when people talk about 4D, 5D, 6D or 7D BIM. Some people talk about nD BIM (n can be any number) or that very popular Elephant picture. Let's not get into deep and try to understand very simple basics. 4D, 5D terms gained popularity coming from 3D, Three-dimensional i.e. X Y and Z axis in a Cartesian plane, which can be Length/Distance, Width/Area and Depth/Volume as we all know so what is 4D, 5D and so on?

4D: This is a notion that can be said to go back before Einstein, as physicists had already been representing time in formulas as a one-dimensional variable, t. After Einstein, the concept of time became inextricably linked with space, resulting in spacetime.

In Films, 4D film or 4-D film is a marketing term for an entertainment presentation system combining a 3D film with physical effects that occur in the theatre in synchronisation with the film. Effects simulated in a 4D film may include rain, the wind, strobe lights, and vibration.

Similarly, 4D BIM (time model) provides for Construction planning and management and Schedule visualisation. In Simple words, utilisation of the site space throughout the construction project including temporary components such as cranes, lorries and fencing. In Schedule, visualisation project members can see a chart within the BIM Model which shows the critical path and visually show the dependency of some sequences on others.

5D: It has nothing to do with Physics but it's rather a term often being used where more information can be integrated with 4D BIM i.e. Quantity, real-time cost estimating and life cycle cost i.e. cost of an asset throughout its life while fulfilling the performance requirements. I would rather call D, in 5D as Detail rather than Dimension.

Similarly, in Cinema,  5D Cinema is one step above 4D- using motion as well as other sensory experiences like smoke effects, water droplets etc. But it's false.

6D: Addition of more information in the BIM Model for improved space management, Streamlined Maintainance, Energy Analysis and updated information in BIM Model according to the life of the project. 

In my opinion, we can keep adding the number of D's with time and as per requirement but calling it a Dimension would be vague. It's interesting when people talk about 7D, 8D or nD because if we are able to achieve a Quality BIM Model 4D (Which we are still learning and developing) all the other so called "D's" can be achieved.

Please do give your opinion in the comment section.